Experts tell you not to skip the first meal, but it’s tough to follow the rule. Five professionals with erratic schedules tell Dipanjan Sinha how they make time for breakfast. Read, learn, repeat

Atul Kasbekar: Fashion photographer and film producerAtul Kasbekar does not let the grind interfere with his mornings. "However late I have stayed up the night before, I wake up early and am fixed on my breakfast habit," he says. Typically, he prefers multigrain toast and unsweetened peanut butter with two cups of strong cappuccino, which he brews himself, to begin the day. A little later, he has a glass of juice.

Fashion photographer Atul Kasbekar with Rahul Dravid during a shoot

"I am boring about my breakfast," he admits. The busy photographer is often on the road, shooting outdoors and beating the clock for the perfect light on fashion shoots and other assignments. "At such times, I depend on breakfast buffets. Then, it is either bacon and eggs or Idli-Vada," he says.

Vivan Bhatena, model & actorThe actor finds it challenging to maintain his diet since he trains and requires high-protein intake. "My schedule is always erratic. When shooting for Khatron Ke Khiladi, we used to shoot for 20-hours straight, and I had to squeeze in meals in the free time. But I make it a point to wake up early and have six eggs and oatmeal with a cup of tea," he says. He carries protein bars whenever he travels. "It is an expensive proposition but worth the investment. Busy or not, I have to maintain my physique, so that I don’t lose muscle since I am an ectomorph." When he can’t get cooked food, he goes out, buys 200 gram of paneer and eats it with salt and pepper. "On sets, I ask for eggs, and when travelling the protein packs come to the rescue," he says.

Prammod Sanghi, actor & filmmakerThis filmmaker enjoys a big and hearty breakfast. "With my work, it gets difficult to make time to sleep but I ensure that I wake up in time before the sun rises. I love my mornings and the first meal of the day," he says. He eats at 6 am, after a meditation session.

It comprises a mix of sweet potatoes, sprouts and peanuts or jowar paratha with homemade peanut butter, teamed with freshly squeezed watermelon juice, eggs and Espresso coffee. "There are days when you have to take an early morning flight or travel by road. It’s easier to lay hands on a fresh juice and Espresso these days, thanks to cafés that are open early," he says. He, however, depends more on natural foods than packaged and usually plans the dabba, the night before.

Alisha Mashruwala, education consultantThe education consultant, who is always on the move, has followed a strict exercise regime from her days at university, making breakfast all the more important. "I eat a heavy breakfast of eggs and toast, cereal, poha with cold coffee every morning, and allow myself a cheat meal of waffles or pancakes on Sundays," shares Mashruwala. The meetings, seminars and outsation travel, that characterises her work, often leads her to skipping lunch. And a healthy breakfast keeps her going through the day, supplemented with regular snacking on dry fruits.

Amrapali Patil, doctor & wellness expertThe doctor insists breakfast is the most important meal of the day. She says, "According to Ashtanga Yoga, (which she has trained in), one should eat breakfast as soon as the sun rises." She avoids greasy or oily food for her first meal. Oatmeal porridge, skimmed milk and eggs usually do it for her. On other days, she goes with poha or upma with a few veggies thrown in. When travelling, Dr Patil prefers to carry a working bag, and packs in muesli or oatmeal . So all she needs to do add is hot water.